KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah has reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to being a key part of the global transition to a low-carbon, and eventually, carbon-neutral, society, with ambitions of achieving this by 2050.
He said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is focused on initiatives to drive the federal capital towards improving the quality of the urban environment.
In an interview with design group Veritas, he said DBKL has made significant strides towards achieving carbon neutrality.
“We target to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2030, and achieve carbon-neutral city (status) by the year 2050, as stated in the Kuala Lumpur Low-Carbon Society Blueprint 2030.”
To achieve these aims, DBKL has earmarked Wangsa Maju as a carbon-neutral growth centre by 2050.
“It is indeed relevant, strategic and timely to explore sustainable, innovative, green and smart growth opportunities to create the Wangsa Maju growth centre,” said Mahadi.
As much as DBKL is eager to kick off efforts to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, he said, it must first look at its own energy consumption.
“A pilot project report in collaboration with the Tokyo metropolitan government showed that the highest consumption by all of DBKL’s main buildings was air conditioning, which made up 63% of total consumption, while lights consumed 14%.
“Such equipment was identified and subsequently replaced with new, energy-efficient and eco-friendly equipment.
“We hope this becomes a model for other building owners in KL to follow, to reduce their carbon footprint.”
Mahadi, who has been in various leadership positions in DBKL for 36 years, said the goal to make Kuala Lumpur a carbon-neutral city needs the collective effort of building owners, businesses and civil society groups.
“DBKL is aware there are a few privately owned buildings that have utilised solar energy, and we encourage similar initiatives to be rolled out in more buildings.
“To set a positive example to others, DBKL will install a solar PV (photovoltaic) system in its buildings, which we have identified.
“We look forward to collaborating with private companies towards realising a common vision for the city.” – The Vibes, July 11, 2021
